Method for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions

ABSTRACT

This inventive concept relates to a method for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions, the method comprising the steps of: receiving internal data generated by the water recycling device; identifying an external condition of the water recycling device based on the internal data; and automatically adjusting a number of operating parameters of the water recycling device based on the identified external condition.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The systems and methods described herein generally relates to the field of water recycling. More particularly, concepts for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions are presented.

BACKGROUND

In many parts of the world, clean water is becoming a scarce commodity. Consequently, systems for purification and recycling of water has found applications across many fields. Water recycling devices have thus naturally been developed to deal with a number of different factors associated with the various applications. For example, the water recycling device may be modified in advance in order to account for factors present in the application not changing over time.

However, there remains factors that cannot be accounted for in advance and which must be taken into consideration in order for the water recycling device to operate efficiently. In addition, the properties of some factors, such as variation over time, may be difficult to predict.

There is therefore a need for improving water recycling devices with respect to different applications and ease of use, reliability, efficiency, and operating cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present inventive concept to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in combination.

According to a first aspect, these and other objects are achieved in full, or at least in part, by a method for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions. The water recycling device may comprise an outlet configured to output treated water; a drain for collecting used water output from said outlet; a recirculation loop in liquid communication with said drain and said outlet, said recirculation loop comprising a water treatment arrangement for treating said used water; an external water path in liquid communication with said recirculation loop, said external water path being connected to an external water outlet; a circulation pump for providing a flow in said water recycling device; and a sensor arrangement configured to measure a water quality parameter of water in said water recycling device. The method may comprise the steps of: receiving internal data generated by said water recycling device; identifying an external condition of said water recycling device based on said internal data; and automatically adjusting a number of operating parameters of said water recycling device based on said identified external condition.

The internal data may be related to at least one of a water temperature, a flow rate, and a water quality, of water in said water recycling device, and a timestamp associated with a use of said water recycling device.

The method may further comprise a step of receiving external data generated by an external device, wherein said external data is related to at least one of a temperature of air in contact with said water recycling device, a humidity of air in contact with said water recycling device, a geographical location of said water recycling device, and a price of electricity for operating said water recycling device, and wherein the step of identifying said external condition is further based on said external data.

The method may further comprise a step of identifying an internal condition related to at least one of a state of said water treatment arrangement, a state of said sensor arrangement, a state of said outlet, a state of said circulation pump, and a state of said drain, wherein said determination of said internal condition is based on said internal data.

The water recycling device may further comprise a heating arrangement for heating water in said water recycling device, and wherein said internal condition is related to a state of said heating arrangement.

The step of identifying said internal condition may further be based on said external data.

The external condition may be related to at least one of a heat loss from water travelling from said outlet to said drain, a temperature of said external water, and a flow rate of said external water.

The external condition may be related to a use pattern of said water recycling device.

The external condition may be related to an operating cost of said water recycling device.

The external condition may be related to a type of application of said water recycling device.

The number of operating parameters may comprise at least one operating parameter selected from the group consisting of a property of said heating arrangement, a property of said circulation pump, a property of said sensor arrangement, a property of said external water path, and a property of a cleaning cycle of said water recycling device.

The water recycling device may be an appliance or an arrangement of appliances. In particular, the water recycling device may be a water recycling shower.

Further, the term ‘water recycling device’ may be understood to as a water recirculating device, e.g. a device which is configured to recirculate at least part of the water output by the device itself.

Any of the steps of receiving internal data generated by said water recycling device, identifying an external condition of said water recycling device based on said internal data; and automatically adjusting a number of operating parameters of said water recycling device based on said identified external condition, may be performed by a data processing device. However, such a processing device need not be arranged in the water recycling device, but may be e.g. a cloud data processing device, or an external data processing device.

According to a second aspect it is provided a system comprising a water recycling device comprising an outlet configured to output treated water; a drain for collecting used water output from said outlet; a recirculation loop in liquid communication with said drain and said outlet, said recirculation loop comprising a water treatment arrangement for treating said used water; an external water path in liquid communication with said recirculation loop, said external water path being connected to an external water outlet; a circulation pump for providing a flow in said water recycling device; and a sensor arrangement configured to measure a water quality parameter of water in said water recycling device; and a data processing device configured to receive internal data generated by said water recycling device; identify an external condition of said water recycling device based on said internal data; and automatically adjust a number of operating parameters of said water recycling device based on said identified external condition.

The system according to the second aspect may incorporate any of the features described in connection with the method according to the first aspect, and vice versa, and share the corresponding advantages.

It is to be understood that internal data may be generated by said water recycling device; and an internal condition of said water recycling device may be identified based on said internal data; and a number of operating parameters of said water recycling device may be automatically adjusted based on said identified internal condition. Further, the features described above in connection with the first or second aspect may be incorporated into this embodiment, which may share the corresponding advantages.

A feature described in relation with one aspect may also be incorporated in other aspects, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated.

Other objectives, features and advantages will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventive concept, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of different embodiments of the present inventive concept, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a water recycling device;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the relationship between internal and external data, and internal and external conditions;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of how internal and external conditions of a water recycling device can be defined.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a method for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, it has been realized by the inventors that water recycling devices need to be configured according to external conditions of the water recycling device in order for the water recycling device to operate efficiently, reliably, and at a low cost. In order to identify an external condition, internal data generated by the water recycling device may be analyzed. In addition, external data generated by external devices may be analyzed. This arrangement provides a reliable way of identifying an external condition of the water recycling device, and assures that the water recycling device can be adjusted accordingly. It may be possible to identify an internal condition of the water recycling device by analyzing the internal and/or external data.

The present disclosure describes a water recycling device. Initially, some terminology may be defined to provide clarification for the following disclosure.

The term ‘drain’ referred to in the present disclosure is not to be given the conventional meaning of a drain; a conventional drain is a fixture that provides an exit-point for waste water. In the present disclosure, the term ‘drain’ may be exchanged for a collecting arrangement, a sensor tank, a recirculation tank, or a floor unit. The term ‘drain’ implies a point leading to a e.g. a sewage, but wherein the drain does in fact not form part of the sewage itself. In particular, the drain may comprise the sensor arrangement or at least part of the sensor arrangement.

Throughout the present disclosure reference is made to a “state” of an object. A state may refer to a performance of the object, such as if the object is performing as intended. A state may refer to a specific type of the object in case there exist several different types of the object. In other words, a state may refer to a specific type of object in case there exist several different types of the object to choose from.

With reference to FIG. 1, an example of a water recycling device 100 is shown. The water recycling device 100 comprises an outlet 104 configured to output water. The outlet 104 may be a showerhead, a nozzle, or the like. The water recycling device comprises a drain 106 for collecting used water output by the outlet 104; a recirculation loop 102 in liquid communication with the drain 106 and the outlet 104, the recirculation loop comprising a water treatment arrangement 112 for treating the used water. The water recycling device may further comprise a heating arrangement for heating water in the water recycling device 100. The water recycling device further comprises a sensor arrangement configured to measure a water quality parameter of water in said water recycling device. The water recycling device 100 further comprises an external water path 108 in liquid communication with the recirculation loop, the external water path 108 being connected to an external water outlet. Water from the external water path 108 may hereafter be referred to as external water. The water recycling device 100 may further comprise a circulation pump 110. The circulation pump 110 may provide for at least part of a flow of water in the water recycling device 100. A water treatment arrangement 112 may be placed downstream of the circulation pump 110. The water treatment arrangement 112 may comprise a filter arrangement and/or a UV light treatment arrangement. The water treatment arrangement 112 may comprise at least one filter, such as a nanofilter, a microfilter, or a nanofilter and a microfilter. The water treatment arrangement 112 may comprise at least one particle filter and at least one microbiological filter. The water treatment arrangement 112 may comprise at least one active substance for reducing harmful effects of microorganisms in water passing the water treatment arrangement 112. Such an active substance may for example be contained within a filter media of the filter, and/or be released to the water inside the water treatment arrangement 112. Water which has been treated by the water treatment arrangement 112 may hereafter be referred to as treated water. The heating arrangement may comprise a UV light treatment arrangement. The heating arrangement may be combined with the water treatment arrangement 112.

Now referring to FIG. 2, internal data 214 and optionally external data 215 may be analyzed 216 in order to identify an external condition 218 and optionally an internal condition 219. A number of operating parameters of the water recycling device may then be automatically adjusted based on the identified external condition 218 and optionally based on the internal condition 219. The internal and external condition 218, 219 will be discussed in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

Still referring to FIG. 2, internal data 214 may be related to at least one of a water temperature of water in the water recycling device, a flow rate of water in the water recycling device, a water quality of water in the water recycling device, and a time stamp associated with a use of the water recycling device.

In the context of internal data, the water temperature of water in the water recycling device may refer to a water temperature of water collected by the drain, and/or a water temperature of external water received from the external water path, and/or a water temperature of treated water, and/or a water temperature of water located anywhere else in the water recycling device.

Similarly, in the context of internal data, the flow rate of water in the water recycling device may refer to a flow rate of water from the drain to the recirculation loop, and/or a flow rate of external water from the external water path to the recirculation loop. The internal data related to a flow rate of water in the water recycling device may also comprise data received from the circulation pump, such as data reflecting a power consumption of the circulation pump.

In the context of internal data, the water quality of water in the water recycling device may refer to a water quality as measured by the sensor arrangement. In other words, the internal data may comprise data from the sensor arrangement.

External data 215 may be related to at least one of a temperature of air in contact with the water recycling device, a humidity of air in contact with the water recycling device, a geographical location of the water recycling device, and a price of electricity for operating the water recycling device.

In the context of external data, a temperature of air in contact with the water recycling may refer to receiving external data 215 related to a weather condition in an area where the water recycling device is located. Similarly, in the context of external data, a humidity of air in contact with the water recycling may refer to receiving external data 215 related to a weather condition in an area where the water recycling device is located. Such an area may for example be a room, a building, a city, a county, or the like.

In the context of external data, a price of electricity for operating the water recycling device may refer to a price of electricity delivered to the water recycling device.

External data may also refer to data related to another water recycling device. For example, external and internal data related to another water recycling device may be used as external data for the water recycling device in order to identify an external and/or internal condition. Hereby, it may be possible to collect data sets comprising internal and external data from a number of water recycling devices, wherein the data sets can be utilized in order to identify an external and/or internal condition with greater accuracy. For example, internal data of the water recycling device may be compared to internal and/or external data of another water recycling device with a known external condition in order to identify an external condition for the water recycling device.

Now referring to FIG. 3, an internal condition 300 of a water recycling device may relate to a condition of the water recycling device. The water recycling device may comprise an outlet, a drain, and a recirculation loop, wherein the recirculation loop may comprise a water treatment arrangement, a heating arrangement, and a circulation pump.

The internal condition of the water recycling device may thus relate to a state of the outlet. For example, the water recycling device may have been fitted with an outlet having a maximum capacity with respect to flow rate. The internal condition of the water recycling device in this case may thus be a maximum possible flow rate out of the outlet. A state of the outlet may also relate to a performance of the outlet with respect to a factory performance. In other words, the outlet may have a factory performance as specified by a provider, however it is not unlikely that the performance of the outlet may degrade over time, for example as a result of use. A state of the outlet may thus reflect an actual performance in relation to factory performance.

Above, an internal condition of the water recycling device has been described as relating to a state of an outlet has been specified. Similarly, an internal condition may relate to at least one of a state of a water treatment arrangement, a state of a heating arrangement, a state of a circulation pump, a state of a drain, and a state of a sensor arrangement. In other words, and similarly to above, other components of the water recycling device, such as the outlet, water treatment arrangement, sensor arrangement, circulation pump, heating arrangement, or a combination of the same, may have a factory performance, and a state of the components may reflect an actual performance in relation to factory performance.

Still referring to FIG. 3, an external condition 320 of a water recycling device may relate to a floor and/or a wall 322 of a space where the water recycling device is installed. In particular, an external condition may relate to a heat loss from water travelling from the outlet towards the drain. The external condition may relate to a heat transfer from water, travelling from the outlet towards the drain, to the floor and/or wall 322. In particular, an external condition may be that a specific type of floor and/or wall are present in connection to the water recycling device. An external condition may also be that a specific type of floor and/or wall with specific heat capacity properties are present in connection to the water recycling device.

A number of factors may influence such a heat loss. For example, the heat loss from water output by the outlet travelling towards the drain may be influenced by a temperature of air in contact with the water recycling device. The heat loss may be influenced by a humidity of air in contact with the water recycling device. Thus, an external condition, for example a heat loss from water output by the outlet travelling towards the drain, can be identified based on internal data, for example a temperature of water at the drain and at the outlet of the water recycling device.

The external condition may relate to a temperature of external water. In other words, the external condition may relate directly to the temperature of the external water entering the water recycling device via the external water path. For example, a water recycling device installed in a building may not be provided with external water having the same temperature as another water recycling device installed in another building. The external condition may also relate to a temperature of the external water with respect to time. For example, external water from an external water source may not have a static temperature. Instead, the temperature of the external water may fluctuate depending on for example a frequency of use of the external water. Similarly to the above, the external condition may relate to a flow rate of external water.

The external condition may relate to a type of application of the water recycling device. A type of application could for example refer to a type of facility, such as a medical facility, a public facility such as public restrooms, public swimming halls, hotels and the like, or private facilities such as private homes. In other words, the external condition may relate to a type of facility in which the water recycling device is installed. The type of application could also be related to the number of users of the water recycling device. For example, if the water recycling device is located in a public facility or in a home of a large family, a large number of users may be expected to use the water recycling device. The water recycling device could thus be said to be applied in a “large user base”. Similarly, the water recycling device could be said to be applied in a “small user base” if the water recycling device is located in a private home with only one resident. A large user base may also be defined as a public facility; in other words, the type of application may refer to whether the water recycling device is installed in a public facility. Further, a small user base may be defined as a private facility. In other words, the type of application may refer to whether the water recycling device is installed in a private facility, such as a home, or in a public facility, such as a public swimming hall or a hotel.

The external condition may relate to a use of the water recycling device with respect to time. For example, the external condition may relate to a use pattern of the water recycling device with respect to time. Such an external condition may for example be that the water recycling device is used a number of times per day.

A number of operating parameters of the water recycling device may be automatically adjusted based on an identified external condition and/or internal condition. The number of operating parameters may comprise at least one operating parameter selected from the group consisting of a property of the heating arrangement, a property of the circulation pump, a property of the sensor arrangement, a property of the external water path, and a property of a cleaning cycle of said water recycling device. In this context, the term “property of” may refer to directly adjusting the object to which the term is referring. For example, adjusting a property of the heating arrangement may comprise adjusting an amount of heat transferred from the heating arrangement to the water in the water recycling device. The term “property of” may also refer to indirectly adjusting the object to which the term is referring. For example, adjusting a property of the circulation pump may comprise adjusting an amount of power available to the circulation pump, such that a flow of water in the water recycling device is altered.

In the context of operating parameters, a property of a cleaning cycle of the water recycling device may refer to a number of cleaning cycles to be performed in a given period of time. It may also refer to a characteristic of the cleaning cycle, such as a use of a specific cleaning agent.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, it is possible to adapt a water recycling device to internal conditions. Such a method may comprise receiving internal data from the water recycling device; optionally receiving external data from a number of devices external to the water recycling device; identifying an internal condition of the water recycling device based on the internal and/or the external data; and automatically adjusting a number of operating parameters of the water recycling device based on the n internal condition.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example of a method for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions is illustrated in a flow chart diagram. The method comprises a step of receiving 424 internal data generated by the water recycling device; a step of identifying 426 an external condition of the water recycling device based on the internal data; and a step of automatically adjusting 428 a number of operating parameters of the water recycling device based on the identified external condition.

The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended patent claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   100 Water recycling device     -   102 Recirculation loop     -   104 Outlet     -   106 Drain     -   108 External water path     -   110 Circulation pump     -   112 Water treatment arrangement     -   214 Internal data     -   215 External data     -   216 Analysis     -   218 External condition     -   219 Internal condition     -   300 Internal condition     -   320 External condition     -   322 Wall and/or floor     -   424 Step of receiving internal data     -   426 Step of identifying an external condition     -   428 Step of adjusting a number of operating parameters 

1. A method for adapting a water recycling device to external conditions, wherein the water recycling device comprises an outlet configured to output treated water; a drain for collecting used water output from said outlet; a recirculation loop in liquid communication with said drain and said outlet said recirculation loop comprising a water treatment arrangement for treating said used water; an external water path in liquid communication with said recirculation loop, said external water path being connected to an external water outlet; a circulation pump for providing a flow in said water recycling device; and a sensor arrangement configured to measure a water quality parameter of water in said water recycling device; said method comprising the steps of: receiving internal data generated by said water recycling device; identifying an external condition of said water recycling device based on said internal data; and automatically adjusting a number of operating parameters of said water recycling device based on said identified external condition.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said internal data is related to at least one of a water temperature, a flow rate, and a water quality, of water in said water recycling device, and a timestamp associated with a use of said water recycling device.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step receiving external data generated by an external device, wherein said external data is related to at least one of a temperature of air in contact with said water recycling device, a humidity of air in contact with said water recycling device, a geographical location of said water recycling device, and a price of electricity for operating said water recycling device, and wherein the step of identifying said external condition is further based on said external data.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of identifying an internal condition related to at least one of a state of said water treatment arrangement, a state of said sensor arrangement, a state of said outlet, a state of said circulation pump, and a state of said drain, wherein said determination of said internal condition is based on said internal data.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said water recycling device further comprises a heating arrangement for heating water in said water recycling device, and wherein said internal condition is related to a state of said heating arrangement.
 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said step of identifying said internal condition is further based on said external data.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said external condition is related to at least one of a heat loss from water travelling from said outlet to said drain, a temperature of said external water, and a flow rate of said external water.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said external condition is related to a use pattern of said water recycling device.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said external condition is related to an operating cost of said water recycling device.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said external condition is related to a type of application of said water recycling device.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said number of operating parameters comprises at least one operating parameter selected from the group consisting of a property of said heating arrangement, a property of said circulation pump, a property of said sensor arrangement, a property of said external water path, and a property of a cleaning cycle of said water recycling device.
 12. A system comprising a water recycling device comprising an outlet configured to output treated water; a drain for collecting used water output from said outlet; a recirculation loop in liquid communication with said drain and said outlet, said recirculation loop comprising a water treatment arrangement for treating said used water; an external water path in liquid communication with said recirculation loop, said external water path being connected to an external water outlet; a circulation pump for providing a flow in said water recycling device; and a sensor arrangement configured to measure a water quality parameter of water in said water recycling device; and a data processing device configured to receive internal data generated by said water recycling device; identify an external condition of said water recycling device based on said internal data; and automatically adjust a number of operating parameters of said water recycling device based on said identified external condition. 